Bone Grafting
Major & Minor Bone Grafting
Missing teeth over a period of time can cause your jaw bone to atrophy, or resorb. This often results in poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for the placement of dental implants as well as long term shifting of remaining teeth and changes to facial structure. Most patients, in these situations, are not candidates for dental implants.
Fortunately, today we have the ability to grow bone where it is needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, but it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Major Bone Grafting
Bone grafting can repair implant sites with inadequate bone structure due to previous extractions, gum disease, or injuries. The bone is either obtained from a tissue bank or your own bone is taken from the jaw, hip or tibia (below the knee). Sinus bone grafts are also performed to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. In addition, special membranes may be utilized that dissolve under the gum to protect the bone graft, as well as encourage bone regeneration. This is called guided bone regeneration, or guided tissue regeneration.
Major bone grafts are typically performed to repair defects of the jaws. These defects may arise as a result of traumatic injuries, tumor surgery, or congenital defects. Large defects are repaired using the patient’s own bone. This bone is harvested from a number of different areas depending on the size needed. The skull (cranium), hip (iliac crest), and lateral knee (tibia), are common donor sites. These procedures are routinely performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay.
Bone Grafting Overview
For a brief narrated overview of the bone grafting process, please click the image below. It will launch our educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about bone grafting.
Cortland Oral Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
As one might expect I went into the implant process anxious about the amount of discomfort and pain that would be involved. This was from the drilling of the jawbone to the recuperation afterward. Now the following day I realize the anxiety was completely unfounded. Dr SanGiocomo's surgical process was efficient and completely without discomfort. He explained what he was going to do and it unfolded as he had felt it would. Returning home, once the novocaine wore off, I anticipated at least a few hours of discomfort mollified by doses of Ibuprofen. That negative anticipation was unwarranted as well. There was no post surgery discomfort at all. Seriously! By the end of the day I was ready to send Dr SanGiocomo and his assistants a box of chocolates, but I didn't want them to worry about cavities.
- Rick R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Extraction was not as bad as I feared! Whole visit very efficient.
- Palette F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
A+ I don't much like going to the dentist, let alone for an extraction. This was amazing.
- Mary S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My first tooth extraction in years turned out to be quick and easy! I'll return here if there's ever a need beyond my regular dentist!
- A W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
excellent and explanations.
- Susan S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
A very positive appointment from the office receptionist through the procedure to check out. Will definitely recommend Dr. SanGiacomo.
- Barry B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It’s obvious that you and your entire staff treat your patients the same way you would like to be treated if you were the patient. Thank you.
- Thomas J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I could not be more satisfied. I needed two extractions but since it was my first experience I only scheduled for one. It went so smoothly with the doctor explaining everything I could expect. My confidence in the team was such that I went ahead and let them pull the second tooth. ( Which he did without hesitation ) My anxiety was fairly high and the team was very reassuring. Tooth extractions is not something I wish to do again, but if faced with need, I would definitely choose them. A huge thank you to the entre team. You made a very intimating experience much easier and you have definitely put the smile back on my face. Thank you. You rock!
- Lori C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
They did a very good job, I was very impressed. They got me in and out quickly, and they asked multiple times throughout my surgery if I was okay and how I was feeling.
- Leslie W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Fast, efficient, personable, and reasonable fees. What more do you need?!
- Danial H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Had a broken tooth and they got me right in, staff was very friendly and professional. Doctor Sangiacomo is a fantastic Dentist.
- Steve R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. SanGiacomo and his aide, Stephanie, showed me the X-ray of the tooth to be extracted, and Dr. SanGiacomo described what to expect during the procedure, which went smoothly. By the time I was ready to leave, the office staff (I'm sorry - I don't remember the individuals' names) had already submitted the bill for the procedure to my insurance company (so that I did not need to do so), and they had already sent antibiotic and pain-relief prescriptions to my pharmacy. Speaking of pain - I experienced hardly any. Before going to sleep, I took an Ibuprofen as a precaution. I slept well. I appreciate the personable and professional work of Dr. SanGiacomo and his staff. Sincerely, John S.
- John S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Difficult extraction but handled with expertise.
- Andrew H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very satisfied. Everybody was very courteous and professional. Would return again if needed.
- Russell M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so nervous during the whole procedure Dr SanGiacomo and his other staff member who was in the room with me made me feel comfortable they talked to me thru out the whole process and made me feel safe. The whole team was very friendly. Thank you so much.
- A G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone in the office was very friendly and I felt "at home" right away, although I had come into the office feeling very nervous. I am thankful that I had such a good experience.
- Sue C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience.
- Patricia J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Super polite staff - sanGiacomo was brilliant; kept me informed for the entire 50 min surgery; keep tabs on if I was feeling any pain/discomfort; explained what my options were thoroughly, even when things took a turn. Everyone in the practice seems to be knowledgable, courteous, and efficient. Can't better than that.
- Caryln B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Staff and Dr Sangiacomo are great! Took great care of me with me wisdom teeth extractions....highly recommend to anyone in need of oral surgery!
- Jacob H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The Dr. and staff were very friendly and professional, even when my tooth gave them a rough time coming out.
- Bruce W